Nathan thinks he's being followed, and wonders if the ghosts of his mistakes are coming for him. He doesn't actually believe in ghosts, but if they do exist he could be in trouble. Is it Alexandra, a woman he was making love to when her son drove a stake through his chest? Or maybe Iris, the one he chose for a mate so long ago? Would a ghost pose a threat to Terra, the only human he cares about? Terra's temporary new partner is a gorgeous cop from LA, and she wonders how long she can resist his charm. He seems intent on getting to know her better. But why does she think about Nathan when she's in Austin's arms?
Work was only an excuse. In truth, it terrified her that every time he seduced her, she lost a little more of her heart to him.
Nathan kissed her tenderly first, his lips to hers, his palm against her cheek, nudging her toward a place where all troubles were forgotten. As his kisses became more adamant, more demanding, he moved his hand to the back of her head and buried his fingers in her hair, guiding her.
Terra clung to his shoulders, her knees suddenly weak from the desire spreading through her like heated chocolate syrup over ice cream. She opened her mouth to him, unable to even consider pushing him away. But he wasn't in her head as he had been before. He was simply kissing her, tasting her mouth, sampling what she had to offer and holding her to his body as any man would. And feeling his growing erection pressed against her abdomen caused her knees to give out altogether.
The screaming teapot interrupted the kiss, and she stared up into Nathan's eyes as he turned off the stove. The glimpse of the vampire in his glowing eyes caused her to shake, just as the lust she found there warmed her insides. She knew the strength he held in check and that he wouldn't hurt her, no matter what. That knowledge caused the heat to intensify and focus between her legs.
Without speaking, Nathan followed Terra to her bedroom.
He undressed her as he kissed her mouth and her face and her neck. She worked on his shirt buttons, enjoying the sensations his hands spread over her skin.
"Terra, my sweet," he whispered. He drew her up against his bare chest as he kissed her long and deep, lifting her with his hands under her buttocks.
She kissed him back, drawing hard on his tongue, suddenly overcome with need. With one hand fisted in his hair, she wrapped her bare legs around his hips and happily surrendered to his will.
His thoughts came to her then--thoughts of need and longing and animal lust. They snaked slowly around her brain, sending signals to the rest of her that were beyond her control. Her nipples hardened to the point of pain, aching for his touch as she tightened the grip of her legs.
By the time Nathan lay her across the bed, his clothes were also gone. She wondered how he'd undressed, but when he slid across her body and stretched out beside her, the question melted away.
